Universities That Accept 160, 170 or 180 as JAMB Score [2025 Update]

Many candidates believe a low JAMB UTME score automatically bars them from gaining admission into Nigerian universities. While this is partly true for highly competitive courses and institutions, there remain many universities particularly state and private institutions that admit with scores around 160, 170 or 180. Understanding which schools accept these scores (and the conditions attached) can open up viable pathways for admission. In this guide, we will present verified lists, institutional examples, how to make your low‑score application work, and key tips for the 2025/2026 academic session.

What counts as a “low” JAMB score in 2025?

In 2025, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) set the minimum UTME cut‑off for universities at 160. A “low” score is typically anything below 200, particularly when you aim for competitive courses like Medicine, Law or Engineering. Many articles regard 160‑180 as the threshold where admission is still possible if you make the right choices.

Why some universities accept 160/170/180 scores

Here are some of the main reasons:

• Universities with lower competition for some courses or quotas may adopt lower cut‑offs.
• Some state or private institutions are less restrictive and aim to admit more students with moderate scores.
• The school’s departmental cut‑off may be lower than the institutional maximum, allowing entry at 160‑180.
• For less competitive courses (Education, Humanities, Social Sciences) a score of 160‑180 may suffice.

Federal universities that have cut‑offs of 160‑180

The following federal universities reportedly have UTME cut‑offs around 160‑180 for 2025.

University	Reported Minimum JAMB Score	Notes
Federal University Dutsin‑Ma (FUDMA)	160 and above	Federal university in Katsina state
Federal University Oye‑Ekiti (FUOYE)	160 and above	In Ekiti state
Federal University Lokoja (FULOKOJA)	170 and above	In Kogi state
Federal University Gusau (FUGUS)	160 and above	Zamfara state
Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu‑Alike (AE‑FUNAI)	160 and above	Ebonyi state

Note: These cut‑offs may apply to some departments and not necessarily the most competitive ones (e.g., Medicine). Always check individual departmental requirements.

State and private universities accepting 160‑180 scores

Here are several state and private universities that are more flexible with UTME scores:

University	Score Accepted	Type	Notes
Abia State University (ABSU)	160 +	State	Broad list of courses
Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA)	160 +	State	Akungba, Ondo state
Lagos State University (LASU) (for some programmes)	160‑170	State	Less competitive courses/modules
Babcock University	160 +	Private	Accepts for Nursing, etc.
Bowen University	160 +	Private	Offers in Law, Science, Business
Lead City University	140‑160	Private	Many programmes with low cut‑offs

How to apply successfully with a 160/170/180 score

If your UTME score falls in this range, follow these steps to boost chances:

1. Choose universities and courses where the reported cut‑off is around your score.
2. Ensure you meet all O’Level/WAEC requirements (five credits including English and Maths).
3. Apply early for Post‑UTME or screening when required and perform well.
4. Consider less competitive courses in good universities rather than highly competitive ones.
5. Explore private or state universities which may have lower cut‑offs than top federal universities.
6. Check for updates and verify on the official school portals and JAMB CAPS.

Courses more likely to accept 160‑180 scores

While competitive courses (Medicine, Law, Engineering) often require higher scores, the following types of courses may have lower thresholds:

• Education (e.g., Education Arts, Education Social Science)
• Humanities & Social Sciences (History, Religious Studies, Sociology)
• Business & Management courses
• Some Science and Technology courses in less competitive departments
  Choosing a receptive course can help you gain admission despite a moderate JAMB score.

Expert Tips to Strengthen Your Admission Chances

✅ Excel in Post‑UTME screening Since your UTME score is moderate, doing well in Post‑UTME can compensate.
✅ Ensure complete documentation Missing documents can disqualify you even if your score is within range.
✅ Be flexible with institution and course If your first choice is too competitive, consider alternatives that accept 160‑180.
✅ Monitor official portals regularly Admission criteria and cut‑offs may change; always rely on the university’s official announcement.
✅ Don’t assume guarantee Even at 160‑180, admission is not automatic; quota, competition and departmental demands matter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I get admission with JAMB score of 160 in 2025?
Yes there are universities and courses that accept scores starting from 160, particularly in state/private universities or less competitive departments.

Q2: Does a score of 170 guarantee admission?
No, it doesn’t guarantee admission. You still need to meet O’Level requirements, perform well in Post‑UTME screening, and apply to a school/course where 170 is sufficient.

Q3: Are federal universities strictly higher than 180?
Not always. Some federal universities have cut‑offs around 160‑170 for certain courses or quotas. E.g., FUDMA and FUOYE accept ~160.

Q4: Which courses are easier to access with a 170 score?
Courses in Education, Social Sciences, Business, some Technology streams in less competitive departments. Highly competitive courses usually need higher than 200.

Q5: What should I do if I score 150?
Consider changing to universities or courses with lower cut‑offs, or explore alternatives: polytechnics, direct entry options (IJMB/ JUPEB), or retake JAMB for next session.

Conclusion

Scoring 160, 170 or 180 in JAMB does not mean your university dreams are over. For the 2025/2026 session, there are state and private universities and even some federal ones that accept such scores, especially for less competitive courses. What matters is choosing the right institution and course, meeting all requirements (O’Level, Post‑UTME), and applying smartly and early. With the information provided here, you’re better equipped to navigate your admission journey. Information verified as of November 2025. Always check individual university portals for the latest updates.